The start of the counterattack

The entrance to the pewter mines immediately turned chaotic, bandits and troops alike began running like headless chickens. Some covered their noses to avoid the smell, others began puking. All the same, we finally had the upper hand and we weren’t about to lose our advantage. I raised my hand and our side raised their bows and crossbows. Taking aim at the bandits we began hailing them with projectiles. The ammunition we used was wooden stakes, they were sharpened and barded with splinters. As an added precaution, we added the stink concoction to a few of the stakes. Some would call this tactic disgusting, but considering the atrocities committed by these scoundrels, I’m just evening the playing field. Soon our captured men noticed where we were and started running towards us, the bandits tried to follow. This led to most of them getting shot, I looked at the bastards with a smirk and shouted jeers at them.

“Doesn’t feel so good does it, this is why you don’t screw with the knights!”

My squad rallied a sharp cry with my jeers, looks like our morale has returned. Soon our captured forces, including Scott, had returned to our side. Scott started shouting at me, calling me disgusting for my ape tactics. That’s when I found myself shocked, because the lieutenant walked up to Scott and slugged him. Scott held his left cheek and looked at his idol in fear, the lieutenant on the other hand was furious.

“Cadet Ferris’ tactics might seem disturbing, but they’ve given us an advantage. On top of that, they saved your sorry behind. When this operation is over, you can expect to be punished for your actions.”

“W-What! Please Lieutenant Sneed, I was just-”

The lieutenant’s glare caused Scott to squirm, while holding down suppressive fire, the returned troops ask me for my next orders.

“Go to the spring nearby and wash the stink off your armor. After that come and grab a crossbow, we’re firing until our shots run out.”

Scott left deflated with the other smelly regulars, meanwhile my team continued to assail the bandits and push them into a corner.

****

I couldn’t help but smile, my little junior looked like she finally grew up. I could tell as I watched her from behind, she was still nervous and uncertain in some areas, but she placed that all behind her. It was just like when she saved me, she had the charisma and strength to lead others. The same regulars that looked down on her, now looked at her with eyes of bewilderment. If things keep going like this-

“*Cough Cough* Dammit…”

I fell to my knees, I coughed up more blood. Some of the regulars looked concerned, I told them I bit my lip. Soon Sneed and Victor came running to me, Sneed’s gaze trembled looking at my stature. His lip quivered and he opened his mouth with hesitation.

“Kesandra please, your body’s starting to fail on you. You can’t keep this up anymore, if you do you’ll-”

“...I’m well aware.”

Sneed hesitated as I confirmed his fears, I no longer felt the pain I usually felt in my intestines. What’s worse is that my hearing started to dull, my time was coming. I put on a strong front, telling them to let me see this through, but in reality I was scared. It was just like in that damned brothel, I don’t want to die, but my angel is out there right now. Matilda is fighting to protect us all, I’m not gonna leave her to fight alone. I forced myself to my feet, my bones creaked under the weight of gravity. I know this is where I’ll die, but that’s all worth it. All I want to do right now is protect her, even if only once. I must protect my savior one last time.

****

The bandits were grasping for straws, most were incapacitated from our barrage. As planned we used our entire volley on them, only one thing left to do.

“Charge, don’t leave a single one alive!”

Captain Victor shouted the order, with our swords raised high we ran towards the mines. The remaining bandits tried to put up a fight, but they were clearly at a disadvantage. They shouted at one another, saying they had to keep us from making it inside. This means their hiding something, the princess could be in there. I entered a reckless charge into enemy territory, my squad following behind me. I could hear the captain telling me not to chase too far, but what if the princess was in there. If that were the case then she was alone and in danger, I have to save her! An axe came hurtling towards me, I slid underneath it and closed the gap into the Pewter mines. The moment I got inside, I began calling out for the hostages.

“Is anyone in here, if so please respond. We’ve come to rescue-”

I didn’t need to finish my sentence, no one was inside the mines. In fact, the mines could hardly be called that, the path to head further in was blocked off. It was just like the information, mining activities were halted due to a cave in, and halted further by the appearance of bandits. They have no excuse to go further in, meaning there’s nothing here. My skin started to grow pale as I realized this was a waste of time, but that wasn’t the worst part. I noticed the cave get darker, then I heard the sound of something heavy being moved. I turned back to see a giant boulder blocking the entrance, and a burly man with a great sword standing in front of it.

“So you’re the lass that caused us so much trouble, I hope you’re proud of yourself. You managed to do something that pissed me off.”